WORLD CUP 2010: Jermain Defoe fears his goals might not get him a place in opener against US

Jermain Defoe refuses to predict whether he has forced his way into the Englandstarting line-up for the opening World Cup clash with the United States on Saturday.

Defoe pressed his claims by scoring the opening goal in England's 3-0 win over the Platinum Stars in their final warm-up game.

In contrast, Peter Crouch struggled to make an impact and Emile Heskey clearly lacked sharpness after not featuring against Mexico and merely as a late substitute against Japan.

It's what I do: England's Jermain Defoe scores against Platinum Stars

Only Wayne Rooney of the other front players did himself justice.

Defoe said: 'I don't know if I've done enough. That's up to the manager. As a forward, scoring goals is the job you've got to do. If you can't do that, then you've got to work hard and look sharp.

'I've felt sharp in training, and from the training camp in Austria. I've always said you've just got to go out there, work hard and do your best and then leave it down to the manager.

'But, to be honest, it's all about the squad. In a major tournament, you need a squad, not just the lads who will start the game.

'It's important that even the lads who come on make a difference. You need that in a major tournament.'

Not sharp: Emile Heskey (right) did not impress against Platinum Stars

Defoe admits staying fit, given the players who have been injured in the build-up to the finals, was at the back of the players' minds against the Stars.

He said: 'The manager said to us to be careful, but he doesn't want you to go out there and treat it like a friendly.

'You have to do things properly, that's what he's like. You need to be that way even in training. You have to do it properly, train like you play in a match.

'But in a friendly, it's in the back of your mind because you don't want to pick up any injuries.

'You look at the other teams and their friendlies, and they're picking up so many injuries, so you are aware that you have to be careful.

Struggled: Peter Crouch (left) barely made an impression in England's final friendly

'At the same time, you have to go out there and be professional, treat it like a real game.'

Defoe converted a cross from skipper Steven Gerrard for the opening goal and in the second half Wayne Rooney teed up Joe Cole for the second before completing the scoring himself.

Capello made 10 changes at half-time with only Cole playing the full 90 minutes.

Midfielder Gareth Barry, who yesterday revealed he would not be playing in the group opener against the United States as he bids to return to full fitness, and keeper David James were the only players in Capello's squad to play no part in proceedings.